Detecting genetic structure in migrating bowhead whales off the coast of Barrow, Alaska.
Mol Ecol
; 16(10): 1993-2004, 2007 May.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-17498227
ABSTRACT
We develop a general framework for analysing and testing genetic structure within a migratory assemblage that is based on measures of genetic differences between individuals. We demonstrate this method using microsatellite DNA data from the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort stock of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), sampled via Inuit hunting during the spring and autumn migration off Barrow, Alaska. This study includes a number of covariates such as whale ages and the time separation between captures. Applying the method to a sample of 117 bowhead whales, we use permutation methods to test for temporal trends in genetic differences that can be ascribed to age-related effects or to timing of catches during the seasons. The results reveal a pattern with elevated genetic differences among whales caught about a week apart, and are statistically significant for the autumn migration. In contrast, we find no effects of time of birth or age-difference on genetic differences. We discuss possible explanations for the results, including population substructuring, demographic consequences of historical overexploitation, and social structuring during migration.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Variación Genética
/
Migración Animal
/
Ballena de Groenlandia
/
Genética de Población
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Animals
País/Región como asunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Mol Ecol
Asunto de la revista:
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
/
SAUDE AMBIENTAL
Año:
2007
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Noruega